Nerve impulses are carried by what type of cells?

• A. Neurons
• B. Epithelial cells
• C. Muscle cells
• D. Fat cells

Answer: (A)

Neurons are specialized signaling cells in the nervous system, and nerve impulses are electrical signals that travel along their membranes. When a neuron is stimulated, voltage-gated ion channels cause a rapid change in membrane potential, producing an action potential that propagates along the axon to the synapse. At the synapse, the signal is transferred to another neuron or to a muscle or gland, typically via neurotransmitters. Epithelial cells form barriers and linings and do not carry impulses. Muscle cells respond to impulses by contracting, but the actual propagation of the nerve signal happens through neurons. Fat cells store energy and do not participate in conduction of nerve impulses.